Dr. Lucas McMillan

Lucas McMillan is Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts, & Social Sciences and Professor of Political Science at Lander University.  He joined the Lander faculty in 2008 and has served as dean since 2017.  A native of Mullins, South Carolina, he earned a B.A. from Wofford College and spent a semester studying at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.  He earned an M.A. in international relations from the University of Warwick in England while serving as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.  He earned the Ph.D. in political science from the University of South Carolina.  His teaching includes courses on American government, foreign policy, and international relations.  His publications include The Involvement of State Governments in U.S. Foreign Relations (Palgrave Macmillan, 2012), book chapters and journal articles in academic venues, and occasional essays for magazines such as The Diplomat and Governing.  His op-ed essays have appeared in many newspapers.  His research has led to media interviews with outlets such as the Associated Press and The Washington Post.  Prior to joining the board of SC Humanities, he was project director for several grants funded by SC Humanities that focused on topics related to civic engagement, race and identity, and Southern history.  As Dean, one goal has been to enhance community partnerships, so SC Humanities grants have helped to provide high-quality programming for campus and community.  Dr. McMillan is a former President of the S.C. Political Science Association, former member of a national selection committee for Fulbright scholars, and a former Trustee of The Self Family Foundation.  He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Alston Wilkes Society.  He, his wife, and their sons live in Greenwood.  They are active in the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection where he has served on its Vestry, as Senior Warden, and as a Delegate to Diocesan Convention.  In 2019, he was named a “Star Under 40” by the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.  Lucas McMillan serves on the Promotions Committee of the SC Humanities Board.